“You’re so smart and creative. You can do anything you set your mind to!”
We live in a practical world. When you’re an abstract thinker or an idealist heart, the world can leave gaps in understanding oneself, seeking purpose, or knowing where to start.
It can be unbearably overwhelming to the point where you lose interest in the things you originally loved, or you quit and become the “burnt-out gifted person.” It’s a thing! And there could be this lingering self-doubt that freezes you from trying something new. You can get stuck in a very dark place where you think, “If it’s not perfect, I can’t do it. So why try?” OR you jump from subject to subject because it’s not the ONE you want to pursue the rest of your life.
The messages we get for being smart (talented) and having “so much potential” make us question if we are doing something wrong because we’re not successful. Or if we are successful, we are pushing ourselves towards burnout every day to appease the pressures of being perfect for other people (or ourselves).
The expectations can become very powerful messages we can internalize. These messages can shape how we see ourselves, and sometimes, in negative ways.
A Path Less Taken
When you’re a scattered thinker, your brain and body are supposed to consume different sources of information across time. The problem is parts of our society, especially school and work are made for people who pursue linear, very rigid life paths. Although that can lead to stability, it doesn’t always cultivate curiosity, awe, and purpose.
And what does it mean to have a purpose?
This is something we each figure out on our own. Through relationships, exploring possibilities, and having safe opportunities to test out realities can a divergent thinker learn to thrive. Because the formative years of a divergent thinker’s life involve living in a society that does not support our gifts and needs, we need extra time and support to practice figuring out what works and what doesn’t work for us.
Permission to Fail Forward
When the world isn’t made for you, there is a common occurrence of “failing” more than others. (It’s a very confusing world.) Does that mean YOU are a failure?
Heck No. You are not a failure. Society and systems have failed so many people over and over again.
School is stuck in archaic traditional systems that create factory workers. That mindset and expectation that students sit for six hours a day and regurgitate information for a test are VERY OUTDATED. Many older generations accepted the life of working 40-hour weeks and waiting until retirement to enjoy life or travel. I am grateful to see younger generations challenge what it means to have a purpose, the meaning of work, and the overall meaning of having a life well-lived. So what do you do after you accept that society and life are more difficult for those who think differently?
Accept that your cognitive profile is different, which means it will take time to learn what your cognitive strengths and areas of improvement are.
Sensory needs can also be something to explore and honor.
Accept that society is not made for us, which means redefining what a life well lived means for YOU.
This can change over time. Surprise! In life, you are allowed to change your mind and explore things again.
Cultivate self-compassion when trying and failing. Maybe it’s executive function skills. Maybe it’s timing. Maybe it’s a few more other skills you need before it all clicks. As a neurodivergent person, your brain needs different types of learning experiences to connect it to the big picture.
Think & Journal: Which learning tools and environments supported you the most? Find more of that.
Ask others what they think your ideal learning spaces look like, and where your eyes lit up from joy and flow.
Negative self-talk. What are the painful messages you have about failing or not “meeting your potential”? Journal about them. Talk to supportive people about these thoughts so you can learn healthier, and kinder messages to tell yourself.
Acknowledge your role in self-sabotage and pushing away good advice.
We are not perfect, we are not immune from stopping ourselves from growing even if it’s a good thing. When you’re used to failing, it can be a comfortable cycle staying in the same place. Growing and changing are brave things to do.
Visualization. Create vision boards, Pinterest boards, mood boards about the feelings you want to embrace, the kinds of careers you want to try, the areas of interest that bring you joy, purpose, and excitement! MAP IT ALL OUT.
Give yourself time to try different things without judgment.
Come back to the visuals to check how you feel about each item over time. Track how they make you feel.
Practice failing in safer environments, around safe people.
Video games are the perfect place to fail and try safely. So many life skills and growth can happen virtually.
Coaching and mentoring can also help shape resiliency to try again and have more positive messages related to failing.
Watch videos and listen to podcasts about those who are similar to you, heroes that inspire you.
Community and resonance. It’s really difficult to do this alone. And although your hero’s journey is uniquely yours, it’s important to learn to trust and allow people in so they can support you as well as witness your hardships and transformation. Online communities count. Fandom communities count.
All parts of you are worthy of being seen and supported.
Reading recommendations: